Picture this.
You’re planning on purchasing a home for your family. You call up a few Real Estate Agents to set up viewings. You race through peak traffic and barely arrive on time. The Real Estate Agent quickly says you’re the 5th person to view this house today and ushers you through the house like it’s a race to the exit.
The fear of missing out is setting in and the pressure to make an offer is steadily building. You feel rushed but you also don’t want to miss out on this “once in a lifetime” home.
This is what many buyers go through when they first decide to buy a new home. They get rushed into a decision which could lead to them being burned in the long run.
To help you to choose the right home for you and your family I’ve compiled this quick “buyers guide”, but remember, these are more a "things to keep in mind" than a strict "no compromise" guide.
Let's begin!
This may seem obvious but before you view the property, you need know what you are looking for in a new home, this will help you weed out the properties that are less suited to you.
How many bedrooms do you need?
How much space do you need?
Do you want a “fixer-upper” or "lock-up and go
How much parking do you need? And would you want on street parking, off street parking or in a garage?
Is having a braai/BBQ area a non-negotiable?
What is in your budget/price range?
Once you have the criteria for your new property locked down, you can have a quick think of what you would need to look out for during the viewing with the Real Estate Agent.
These are a few key points I was on the looked out for when I purchased my home in Langebaan.
When approaching, be on the lookout for trees nearby the house as the leaves might clutter up the gutters. This will eventually cause leaks and damage during bad weather. This is also a great time to check for any large cracks on the outside walls, oil spills on the driveway and assess the overall security of the property.
Once you’re inside, remember to always check the floors throughout the entire house. This is important as sagging floors normally mean problems with the plumbing. Having a floor plan of the house on hand will allow you to prepare specific questions for the Real Estate Agent. This will also help you get an idea of exactly where your furniture will go, should you buy.
This might be a good time to check the internal security of the property i.e burglar bars, alarm systems, etc.
Don’t forget to ask how long has the home been under its current owner? This will give you access to the full history of any work or upgrades to the house.
I always recommend taking someone you trust with you. They might spot something you may have missed and also provide you with an objective view on the property. Having a camera with you will allow you to glimpse back at the property at a later stage and also save you any unnecessary trips!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this quick guide to buying a property. If you’re interested in moving to Langebaan, send me an email at elaine@pegasusprop.co.za or call me on +27 (0)72 267 5114
P. S Remember, an Estate Agent’s job is to help you make an informed decision, even if this means visit multiple times. Always take your time looking around and never feel rushed to make a choice.
P.P.S If you have any questions or want more specific criteria to look out for, feel free to email me!